First Choice selected as best decorated business

First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union on Main Street in Weirton was named the winner for the business category in the third-annual Seeing Beyond Foundation Holiday Lighting Contest.

Last year was the first year to include a business category and keeping with the expansion, First Choice was made this year's first place winner. The category was created to help get the community more involved, according to organizers.

Several area businesses donated gift certificates and services as prizes for the winners.

"We were really pleased with the results of the contest," said Ward 2 Councilman Harold Miller. "With the new building, the First Choice building has just really stood out this year."

Miller stated Scott Winwood, president and chief executive officer of the credit union, donated the prize money back to the Seeing Beyond Foundation.

"We appreciate the support of the community and this has just proven further testament to the generosity of the people in this community," said Miller.

Formed in 2005, the Seeing Beyond Foundation started with the purpose of improving the quality of life for visually impaired and blind individuals. Having received its official federal 501-c-3 status within the last few years, making it an official non-profit organization, the foundation hopes to continue its progress toward assisting Weirton citizens with visual disabilities

Some of the donors for this year's contest include James White Construction, Guida Law Offices, state Sen. Ed Bowman, Tri-State Medical, Gus's Goodies, Ward 5 Councilman George Kondik, Wine and Beverage Merchants, Attorney Dan McCune and Weirton Geriatric Center.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)